Manly Dam Circuit Walk

This is the main walk around Manly Dam, and is popular for both walkers and bike riders. Prepare for spectacular views from both sides of the dam, along well managed trails. Good spots to break include the picnic areas on King St. Features of this walk include walking the bridge across the top of the dam and the beach on the north side. Watch out for bike riders as this is a shared track. (This walk has changed since these notes were written, the track notes are now somewhat out of date sorry)

Moderate track

From the south end of Manly Dam, this walk heads south through the park and crosses King St near the car parking area. The walk follows the bush track up the steps, following the signs ‘McComb Hill Track’ and ‘Nature Trail’. A short way up the hill, the track comes to an intersection signposted as the ‘Mc Comb Hill Nature Trail’.

(0.14km) Int of Water Reserve Bushtrack and Nature Trail → Int of Nature Trail and North Balgowlah track

920 m

22 mins

60m

-37m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads west along the narrow bush track for approximately 100m before passing an intersection of the McComb Hill walk. (This is currently under revegetation and there are signs stating walkers should not take this route.) This walk heads west, passing by the small trails that lead up the hill south (these are not official trails and should be avoided), and climbs a number of rock staircases. Along the way, there are some good views over Manly Dam, and many signs offering information on the flora and fauna. The track passes close to a few cliff edges (due care required). After some time, the walk comes to an intersection marked with a green sign saying ‘Balgowlah Track’.

(1.06km) Int of Nature Trail and North Balgowlah track → End of King St Picnic Area

520 m

10 mins

6m

-35m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north, gradually descending along the narrow bush track. There are many informative signposts and some good examples of the flora of the local area. Soon the walk comes to a very clear intersection signposted as the “Nature Trail / Wildflower Walk”.Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along a narrow but well-maintained bush track, until coming to an intersection with a ‘Wildflower Walk’ signpost. (There is a small track off to the left heading up to Wakehurst Golf Course, ignore this). The walk continues to head north-west along the bush track until coming to an intersection just to the north of the end of the King St and a picnic area.

(1.58km) End of King St Picnic Area → Int of Circuit and Curl Curl Tracks

2 km

35 mins

40m

-19m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the picnic area,this walk heads alongside Manly Dam, following a narrow track with high vegetation on either side. The track crosses several wetter areas, where footbridges have been installed. At the end of Manly Dam, the walk follows the creek further north, past some waterfalls and holes – the smaller waterholes are quite picturesque. The main waterfall is quite sheltered by vegetation and somewhat hidden from the main track. The walk comes to an intersection with a wide management trail.

(3.57km) Int of Circuit and Curl Curl Tracks → Int of Circuit and Retirement Home Tracks

760 m

17 mins

46m

-14m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Circuit Track’ sign along the management trail, away from Wakehurst Parkway. The trail immediately bends to the right and crosses Manly Creek. Soon, it heads up a small hill and turns back to the south. The walk soon comes to an intersection with another management trail, uphill on the left.

(4.32km) Int of Circuit and Retirement Home Tracks → Int of Roosevelt Rd and Circuit Tracks

890 m

20 mins

45m

-46m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south-east along the management trail, passing an intersection with a small track, before coming to an intersection with a track, and an ‘Allambie Heights Town Centre’ sign[1].

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads south-east along the smaller track, downhill. The track bends to the north-east, making its way around a small inlet. The track crosses some wetter areas on boardwalk bridges, turning back to the south and soon coming to an intersection with another track on the left (that heads up to Southern Cross Way.)

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads west down the rough management trail, in the opposite direction to the ‘Nyrand Road’ arrow[3]. After approximately 100m, the trail comes to the beach on Manly Dam. The trail turns left and heads south along the waters’ edge, soon joining up with a boardwalk and track. The track then climbs gently away from the water, and comes to an intersection with another track, signposted ‘Alternate Track to Picnic Areas via King St’[4].

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads south, down the track towards the water until reaching the northern end of Manly Dam wall.

(7.11km) Manly Dam North Bank → Manly Dam South Bank

240 m

5 mins

5m

-10m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the northern bank of Manly Dam, this walk heads across the top of the dam wall, offering some impressive views of the dam and the parklands from very close to water level. The walk continues to the southern bank of the dam.

Maps for the Manly Dam Circuit Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-mwwmp-mdcw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-mwwmp-mdcw
Forecast snapshot